Published in the CR Mag 62

Tuesday 1st May 2001

Michael W Smith - Freedom
	STYLE: Pop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 1593-3437 LABEL: Reunion 602341000222 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1 RRP: £4.99
Reviewed by Graham Jovanovic A purely instrumental excursion sees Michael embarking on a musical journey from Nashville to Dublin to amass a Stirling group of musicians to compose a beautiful swan song for Carol Ann Lee (1959-2000) and her family. No one can doubt the musical prowess, sincerity or the personal importance and integrity of such a project but this proves to be a classic case of an artist being somewhat self-indulgent. There is no indication as to how Carol Ann died, her testimony or exactly why this is so poignant and consequently the music acts as little more than twee background fodder. In trying to say it with more than words perhaps the less said the better. The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date. Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.
Product Description
After years of chart-topping hits, Michael goes purely instrumental - and his music still shines with the glory of God! Michael's live soundtrack features Thy Word, The Giving, All Of Me, The Boys, Prayer For Taylor, Freedom and more!

Reader Comments

Posted by Don in state of Delaware @ 22:17 on Jul 17 2014

After releasing some of the best loved CCM music
heard on ccm radio, we get a taste of the center of
it all, "the music"by late November of 2000.
This is music from the inner most depths of Michael's heart dedicated to the passing of a woman named Carol Ann Lee, and her family.
When your ears are tuned in and nothing else is
there to interupt, a peace fills the air.
The listener can pick up on the stirred emotions
by the time the tune of "The Giving" is heard.
Michael's touch upon the piano keys reveal
some of the best pulled heartstring emotions.
Michael recruits musicians from Dublin and they come
alive with joyous sound on "Hibernia".
"The Call" has very striking appeal, a nice pop
feel that moves you as you hear it.
As the cd is nearing a close a very familiar tune
hits the ears that takes the listener back in time.
The top collaborated masterpiece "Thy Word" he
wrote with top CCM artist Amy Grant, released on
Amy's 1984 top seller lp "Straight Ahead".
The listener can almost imagine dancing around
the fields of freedom found in heaven upon
hearing the closer " Free Man".
Those in heaven know the freedom that we on
earth long for. We shall see them soon.
Thank you Michael for giving us a taste of freedom
that calls from the other side.
The above writer has left out the music review &
the talents of Michael W. Smith and his music.
God bless, Don

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Posted by Suu in USA @ 17:42 on Mar 3 2011

But are you reviewing the music or the motives? Did you ever think maybe the family didn't want the details of their private pain published around the world?

[reply] [report abuse]

The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

Michael W Smith - Freedom

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